Mild olecranon bursitis

The olecranon bursa is a small fluid-filled cushion over the point of the elbow. Repeated leaning, a knock, or an inflammatory condition can make it swell. The swelling may feel soft or tense, and elbow movement can remain fairly good. Warmth, spreading redness, increasing tenderness, fever, or drainage raises concern for infection rather than simple irritation.

Avoid leaning on the elbow and protect it from repeated knocks. A cold pack wrapped in cloth may ease discomfort, and a clinician can advise whether anti-inflammatory medication is suitable for you. Do not puncture or drain the swelling yourself. If it persists, enlarges, limits movement, or returns, assessment can determine whether aspiration is appropriate and whether another condition is contributing.

Arrange prompt care for warmth, spreading redness, pus, fever, chills, or rapidly worsening pain and swelling. Seek urgent assessment after significant trauma, with severe loss of movement, numbness, or a pale or cold hand. Persistent or recurrent swelling deserves review even when pain is modest; rarely, removal of the bursa is considered after other approaches have been assessed.

Ask whether the bursa appears irritated or infected, how to protect the elbow at work and during sleep, and whether medication is safe with your health history. Discuss when aspiration or another treatment would be considered.